Grout gets dirty.
Fast.
It hides between your tiles and collects everything: dirt, water, food, mold, and stains.
You mop your floor or clean the walls, but the grout still looks bad.
You don’t need special cleaners. You don’t need expensive tools.
You just need to know what works.
Below are the 2 best ways to clean stained grout using things you likely already have at home.
They’re safe, cheap, and most importantly, they work.
Why Grout Gets Dirty So Fast
Grout is the space between tiles.
It’s a bit rough and full of tiny holes.
That’s where the dirt sticks.
In bathrooms, moisture adds to mold. In kitchens, grease builds up. If your floor is marble, dull spots or scratches can also show up over time. Professional marble polishing services can help restore that shine.”
What Makes a Good Grout Cleaner
Before we jump in, here’s what a good grout cleaner should do:
Break down dirt and stains
Kill mold or bacteria
Be safe for tile and grout
Be easy to use
Be budget-friendly
That’s why the two methods below are favorites.
They tick all the boxes.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar Scrub
This method is simple and gentle.
It works best for mild to medium stains.
What You Need:
Baking soda
White vinegar
An old toothbrush or scrub brush
Warm water
A soft cloth or paper towel
How to Do It:
Sprinkle dry baking soda over the stained grout.
Pour white vinegar over the baking soda. It will fizz—this is normal.
Let the fizzing mix sit for 3–5 minutes.
Scrub the grout using the toothbrush. Use small circles and apply pressure.
Wipe the area clean with warm water and a cloth.
Why It Works:
Baking soda lifts dirt.
Vinegar kills germs and softens stains.
The fizz helps push the cleaner deep into the grout lines.
Good to Know:
Don’t use vinegar on natural stone tiles like marble or travertine—it can damage the surface.
Always test a small spot before cleaning the whole area.
When to Use This Method:
You clean your grout often
The stains are not too deep
You want a quick, safe option
Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap Paste
This method is stronger.
Use it for dark stains, mold, or older dirt that won’t come off easily.
What You Need:
1 part hydrogen peroxide
1 part dish soap (any kind)
A bowl for mixing
A toothbrush or scrub brush
A cloth and warm water
How to Do It:
Mix equal parts of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
Use the brush to spread the mix onto the grout.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Scrub well with the toothbrush.
Rinse the area with warm water and wipe clean.
Why It Works:
Hydrogen peroxide has strong cleaning power. It also brightens and kills germs.
Dish soap cuts grease and lifts stuck-on dirt.
Together, they break down heavy buildup and remove dark stains.
When to Use This Method:
Your grout is very dirty or dark
You tried other cleaners, but they didn’t work
You’re cleaning kitchen floors or bathroom walls
Extra Tips for Grout Cleaning
Here are some simple tips to help you clean better and faster:
Use a toothbrush with firm bristles. Don’t use metal—it can scratch the tile.
Use warm water to rinse. It helps remove soap and dirt better.
Always dry the grout after cleaning to stop mold.
Open windows when using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to reduce the smell.
How Often Should You Clean Grout?
Try to clean it once a month to stop stains from building up.
A quick wipe with warm water every week also helps.
Can You Use a Steam Cleaner?
Yes, steam cleaners work well for large areas or deep cleaning.
They blast hot steam into the grout and remove dirt without chemicals.
But they can be pricey and not needed for small jobs.
If you already have one, use it. If not, start with the two methods above.
How to Keep Grout Clean Longer
Cleaning is good, but keeping it clean is better.
Here’s how:
Seal your grout once a year. This protects it from stains and water.
Wipe up spills quickly. Don’t let food or soap sit.
Dry wet areas, like bathroom walls, after every use.
Use a grout-safe mop for regular cleaning—avoid harsh bleach or ammonia.
Final Thoughts
Grout may be small, but it makes a big difference in how your tiles look.
Clean grout makes your floor or walls look fresh and well cared for.
Dirty grout makes everything look old and messy.
You don’t need to buy fancy cleaners.
Just use what you already have—baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide.
Try both methods above and see which one works best for your grout.
Once you clean it, seal it and maintain it.
That way, it stays cleaner for longer.
